Why Choose a Living Shoreline Approach

Valuable coastal wetlands hug the edges of our bays and estuaries around the state of Florida. They work as buffers between land and water that protect and stabilize the shoreline and adjacent lands where people live. They provide economic and recreational benefits for people, and habitat for fish and wildlife. All living shoreline projects should be designed to mimic natural wetlands in order to provide as many of the same services as possible.

Recreation is more fun along a living shoreline than a hardened shoreline.

Example of a “redeemed seawall” where mangroves were planted in front of an existing hard structure.

Keep in mind that living shoreline projects should not be constructed on existing naturally-functioning shorelines. ‘Do nothing’ is always the first approach to consider. Shorelines naturally erode and accrete over time. When “do-nothing” is not an option, however, a living shoreline is preferable to shoreline hardening.